EFFEXOR XR Reviews (VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE)

Average Rating: 3.0 (2225 Ratings)

Filter Results

Compare EFFEXOR XR with similar:
 ANTIDEPRESSANTS

 Type: Rx Drug

  

EFFEXOR XR  (VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE):  Venlafaxine is used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). It may improve your mood and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may also decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. Venlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.   FDA Approval Date: 1997-10-20 (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)

  

Results are sorted by Date added.

Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.)
5=HIGH (this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal.)

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112


More on EFFEXOR XR: Reviews Summary  |  Drug Safety Information

RATING  REASONSIDE EFFECTS FOR EFFEXOR XRCOMMENTSSEXAGEDURATION/
DOSAGE
DATE ADDED
 
 1  
9/29/2008
 3  General Anxiety/Social Anxiety At onset and each time dose increased (started at 37.5mg - now at 150mg daily) I had a week or so of terrible exhaustion. I would fall asleep anywhere during the day for an hour or two - just couldn't keep my eyes open, then just as suddenly wide awake. Also nausea and vivid anxiety dreams. Been at 150mg for 2 months now and notice weight gain of 8lbs which is distressing as I had worked hard with exercise to lose 10 lbs over the past 3 months - now all back in about 6 weeks. The excessive sweating is accutely embarrassing, but luckily I am at an age where I can pass it off as "hot flashes". Noticing I bruise very easily and a minor bump will leave a 2-3" dark bruise. Have never missed a dose, nor taken with alcohol after reading all these dire warnings. This weekend I am away from home and realize I forgot to bring my meds. So we will see what missing 2 days will do - I just hope I am OK to drive home again Sunday. Also past 2 weeks I have been unable to sit st So far I am a fan overall. It calmed me down greatly, I no longer get edgy and snap or feel overwhelmed and tearful. I feel I can cope with everyday home life. Returning to work is still an issue - but I don't want to increase the dose after reading all these posts. Still have some anxiety. F 46 8 months
9/26/2008
 1  GAD none that I can remember withdrawal has been hell. Took 225mg at one time and could not handle tremors and shakiness. Currenly weaning off and on half of 37.5. I am taking it very slow. Very bad drug and would not recommend. Tryed a variety of SSRi's and had very bad side effects. I think complicated by EffexorXR. Currently taking Elavil 50mg and Seroquel 100mg for a great combination. M 30 2 years
9/26/2008
 5  Generalized Anxiety and Depression In the beginning, and with each dose increase, I experienced a bit of nausea and mild dizziness. Constipation was a problem for a few weeks as well. That was about three years ago and I am just starting back up on this drug again after a relapse of depression. This time I am having the dizziness again as well as a mild headache so far; nothing I can't handle. When I reflect on my first experience with this drug, I realize that for once, I was feeling normal. I was much easier to get along with, didn't blow things out of proportion and had a much more positive attitude about life. I also got my appetite back and managed to put on the weight I had lost as a result of my anxiety. Overall, I got my motivation back to enjoy life. After a relapse of depression over the last year, I am hopeful that I will feel "normal" again over the next few weeks. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work for me as well this time around as it did the first time. This drug is certainly not for everyone, but realize that you don't have to go through life feeling "blah" all the time. It may be depression and medication can help, whether it is Effexor XR or another drug. It certainly helped me and I'm optimistic about it helping me again. F 30 1.5 years
9/25/2008
 3  Anxiety, Depression Totally disconnected from the real world, no emotions, fuzzy brain, always tired, no sex drive, no remorse for doing wrong, became a hermit after taking Effexor XR when I used to be the social butterfly. Now I could care less if my kids were fed or not. I started taking Effexor after my husband died. Major shock for me and the anxiety and depression was overwhelming. I first took Lexapro which didn't do anything for me, so the doctor switched me over to Effexor. At first I didn't notice anything, but then gradually after each dosage was upped to 150mg I not could care less if my bills are paid, groceries are in the fridge, etc. Major disconnnect from the real world, lost my job because I just didn't care if I was late or not. I have been on the drug for a little over 2.5 years. I need to get off, but am scared of the anxiety returning, but scared even more to be alone the rest of my life because I have NO sex drive and could care less if I ever date again. What is worse, is my 15 year old is on it too. Yikes! Very scared of the withdrawls she might have. F 34 2.5 years
9/25/2008
 3  Irritability Loss of appetite, night sweats, vivid and outlandish dreams, loss of sex drive, insomnia, dry mouth Effexor worked well on my moods, but the side effects were too much to handle. I was hardly eating or sleeping. When I finally got to sleep I would wake up soaking wet from sweat or wouldhave so many vivid dreams that it felt like I didn't sleep at all. F 21 1 years
9/25/2008
 2  atypical depression, panic disorder First week, some headache, tired and a faint nausea; "stoned" feeling. Not too bad. Increased sex drive and ability to orgasm (!). After 2 weeks: feeling zoned out, Orgasm gone but still lots of sex drive. Short term memory loss, tired but awake 10 times a night. After 3 weeks: starting to act crazy; crying spells, agression, feelings of loosing myself, no sex life whatsoever. I quit cold turkey after a little over 3 weeks at the expense of headaches, nervous breakdowns and brain zaps which lasted more than a week. Nothing compared though to the scary effects that Effexor had on my mind and body. This -and all other modern ad's are not my kind of medication. I prefer to stick with my Xanax which I at least can take if necessary; works within an hour and has no side effects. I have been on and off Xanax during the last 5 years and believe me, the Xanax withdrawl is nothing compared to Effexor! Unless you have a very serious clinical depression I would not recomment Effexor. If panic and/or phobias are your problem, benzo's are -imho- a much better choice. But as always: YMMV. M 54 4 weeks
9/22/2008
 4  Depression Obnoxious behaviour, Increased talkativeness, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, insomnia, flatulence, depression, moderate weight gain, unable to achieve orgasm, increased sexual pleasure All of the short term side effects only lasted for the first 2 months,(sexual and weight problems manifested itself over the long term) except for the obnoxious behaviour and increased talkativeness. I don't think I still have obnoxious behaviour anymore (that's my personal opinion) but still talk more than I remember, but its no longer on an annoying level. One P doc has told me this may be because I had Dysthmia and SAD. The increased sexual pleasure only lasted for a couple weaks. Right now I have nothing to complain about with respect to this drug. It took me 6 months to get the correct dosage, which for me is 300mg. My psychiatrist specialises in using this drug, so was not afraid to carry me up to this level. I'm glad he did because once I try to step down, my symptoms return, even after 2 years. It is a Godsend. It lifted my spirits at a time when I could barely say a word for days because my mind was so blank. I couldn't keep my head up walking down the street because I though M 25 2 years
9/21/2008
Email
 2  depression/anxiety Panic attacks, severe anxiety, paranoia, suicidal thoughts. After taking this for two weeks I became housebound and couldn't even answer my door without having severe panic attacks. I'd rather be dead than go through that again! I do not recommend this drug. I wanted to commit suicide when I was on it. I'm very grateful that I am alive today to warn others about it. F 37 1 months
9/17/2008
 5  Depression/mood swings None that I noticed For me, Effexor XR has been great! I feel like a new person, like a "normal" person again. I have more energy, have not been in the horrible moods I'd been getting in that almost ruined my marriage. My husband thinks I'm cured. I hope it keeps working. I am taking 150mg. I'm actually amazed at the difference I see in myself. I do worry about weaning off of it if it ever comes to that but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. F 43 2 months
9/12/2008
Email
 5  anxiety/depression Sweating, vivid dreams, gnashing my teeth at night, dizziness. Nothing out of the range of what I could tolerate. Based on internet commentary, I knew of the possible side effects of withdrawal, and did so slowly and under the care of my doctor. On the first phase, going from 112.5 mg to 75 mg, I experienced some bizarre symptoms--an awful taste in my mouth, which felt dry at times alternating with periods of hypersalivation (drooling!). I was dizzy and experienced vivid (but not terrifying) dreams. For a day or so I was extremely fatigued (could barely lift a blowdryer to dry my hair) and sad. But it only lasted a day or two, and I could literally feel the veil being rent when it cleared up--my vision seemed sharper, like someone had focused my lenses. Going from 75mg to 35 mg. was fine. Stepping off totally was not without symptoms--bouts of dizziness (like my brain couldn't catch up with my movements), sadness alternating with laughter, vivid dreams, and, strangest of all, I could literally hear my eyeballs moving--sounded like a loud zipper or whooshing noise when I looked around. But again, i F 45 4 years
9/10/2008
 1  Depression Only fatigue and sexual side effects while taking it, during withdrawal I have shortness of breath, dizziness, light headedness, brain zaps, bouts of nausia, sweating, very strange dreams, some nightmares, mood swings, and lots of drowsiness. I know this drug has helped some people, but I only hope you know about the withdrawal before you go on it. I trusted my doctor of 13 years and just started taking it on her recommendation. I was only mildly depressed and had I known then what I know now about the withdrawals I never would have taken this. I have missed so much work because I can't even drive most days, let alone function in an office. I went from 75mg to 37.5 mg for a week, then 37.5mg every other day for 2 weeks - what a roller coaster that was - good day, bad day, good day, etc. I have been completely off for 3 days and have had NO improvement in my withdrawal symptoms. I am so miserable at this stage that I'm worse off than when I started taking this by far. I wish you all the best. F 36 4 months
9/9/2008
 2  Menopause Since I wasnt taking this for depression I was concerned right away with how it made me feel anxious and had palpitations and just weird... After my dose was increased from 37.5 to 75 those symptoms went away but they came back. I was taking this because of early menopause because I have my ovaries removed because of BRCA 1 cancer mutation. So I went cold turkey and this has been the worst week of my life. I cant not name the amount of side effects i have. Blurred vision, headaches, nausea, IBS systems, vomiting, tired, fever, night sweats, etc... all on top of the usual menopause symptoms. I feel really sorry for my kids this week. I have heard it can do wonder for those with depression and other issues but would never recommend for menopause. I will take hot flashes and moodiness over the effects of this drug! Good luck and many prayers to all other suffering from withdraw symptoms! F 34 8 months
9/1/2008
Email
 2  Depression,Anxiety & Panic Disorder Initially, euphoria, restless, yawning, sweating, loss of appetite, then a feeling of disconnection, i felt fake &would smile & laugh inappropriately, unable to orgasm(though libido seemed much higher) Came off cold turkey 3 months later as i couldnt afford the prescription. SEVERE brain zaps,shock like sensations to my extremities, headache, i'd turn my head & my brain would follow 10 seconds later, return of severe depression & anxiety, unable to organise my thoughts, partaking in extremely risky behaviour including a return to casual drug use. Recommenced on 150mgs after 3 months, with only a few days of yawning & jittering, now if i miss a dose the withdrawal symtoms are severe & debilitating, so i make sure to take it at the same time every day.. having said that, i'm currently experiencing symptoms of severe withdrawals(for over 48hours)even though i know for a fact that i have taken my medication, depression has returned, severe brain zaps & headache, I was started on this drug after severe depression, anxiety and a suicide attempt. It seems to help with the depression and anxiety, and motivation is definately higher, but at the moment there are some extremely weird things going on in my body and it just feels so wrong. I'm producing breast milk, which makes my breast hurt and is embarrasing when it happens out in public.. i feel like im going through severe withdrawals even tho ive taken the med religiously.. I hate this medication at the moment. I fear i am severely addicted to it, and even though it worked for my depression and anxiety, i wish i'd never started it.. I'm at my wits end and seriously considering calling the mental health team. F 36 14 months
8/31/2008
 1  Bipolar disorder, depression "Strung Out", inability to orgasm, "brain zaps", feels like my nerves are to short for my body, gross motor shakiness (feel like a robot), void of any emotion. Was taking it for a few years then went off it because of side effects. I'm married and my husband has to deal with enough (like my mood swings), sex was always great until I started on this med. D/C'd the drug and sex life came back. I recently went back on it because I was going through a stressful time and the other meds (Wellbutrin & Lamictal)were not keeping me stable. Been on it again for 1 week and am going to discontinue again. Can't handle feeling like I stayed up all night doing cocaine or acid and sex drive is gone again. Also lack of interest in being around people. Withdrawel wasn't pleasant the first time I went off it and I don't expect it to be this time around. F 43 3 years
8/31/2008
 3  For Depression and Anxiety Brief headache, increased sweating at night Effexor has been fine in that it helped me function, but I've never actually felt like myself. No real bad side effects unless I missed a dose then I'd cry a lot. Still, it worked better than Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. However, I'm now on 300mg and it's not working at all any more, and I'm really afraid of withdrawal. My doctor is immediately switching me from Effexor to Cymbalta because he says it's easier to withdraw from the latter. I've heard horror stories out there about that one too. Is there no drug that will help us? F 35 4 years
8/27/2008
 4  depression, agitation/anxiety fatigue( which got a better by switching the dose to morning rather than at night); some sexual dysfunction (reduced sensation or difficulty achieving orgasm, but not nearly as bad as with SSRIs); WITHDRAWAL CAN BE FRIGHTENING This drug gave me calm and focus in a way no other antidepressant has. I still think back on it because treatments since (for mixed diagnoses of depression, ADD, or possible bipolar) are getting me nowhere. I quit Effexor twice abruptly, as is not recommended, and it was scary. (First I quit when I discovered I was pregnant, and next because sexual side effects got worse after trying it again after other SSRIs and mood stabilizers). It's not the weird brain "zaps" and "tracking" that are troublesome with discontinuation--those go away--but the immediate plunging into a severe instability and nervous collapse, resulting in a greater depression to dig oneself out of. When I am tempted to go back down that road, I recall that is has no easy escape. this could be a good medication option, but I think my diagnosis is inconclusive anyway (it's all trial and error; I think I am Aspergers with depression and irritability/anxiety and ADHD, but this can look like bipolar so n F 35 2 years
8/23/2008
 4  anxiety/depression at first loss of appitite and after that none to speak of I have tried all types of antidepressants:paxil, prozac, zoloft, trizadone and everyone of them failed to do anything except make me feel like crap. Next I tried effexor and actually it was working wonderfully for me for a little over 6 months. Unexpectedly I got pregnant and was told to disconinue immediately (no tapering off) and unlike everyone else has said I actually didn't have any withdrawal, except the occasional "head zap" feeling. I was on 225 mg daily. Recently went back to the doc to ask to be put back on it, instead he gave me pristiq, which I hear is almost identical to effexor. Can't find much info on it however, anybody taken pristiq? F 24 8 months
8/23/2008
 5  Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks At first: ringing of the ears, nausea, excitability. Later: constipation and (still) mouth sores. I was afraid of this drug at first due to the negative Internet publicity but I was in a very bad place in my life and tried other things that did not work. I am now back to my old, positive, outgoing, funny self and feel energized and upbeat and happy to be alive every single day. I have patched up a relationship that was falling apart and am able to focus more at work and accomplish a lot more every day. I am so happy I got through the first few weeks and gave it a chance. If you are having side-effects early on that are not life-threatening, please try to give the drug some time as many or all side effects may dissapear. I am still concerned about ever quitting and withdrawal effects but that is common with most drugs (legal and not) and is a risk worth taking to me to be where I am today. It is important to note I am on the extended release and have not and do not want to try the regular. Thank you Effexor XR! F 31 4.5 months
8/21/2008
 1  depression Side effects I felt on the drug were basically a feeling like I could NEVER get enough air in my bloodstream. You know the feeling like you have to yawn, well, I was doing that all day long but it never felt like i satisfied the urge. I was on it for about a year. I'm now off it - only for about 10 days now. Feelings: SAD, EMPTY, seriosly-now SUICIDAL (i never really felt like I could do it, but coming off this drug is giving me an aloof feeling where I could just drive off a bridge and wouldn't second-guess it PHYSICAL: Nausia, dizzy, famous brain shivers (i guess the term is needed to describe something we can't), cold feet, hands, body, crying, very very exhausted till afternoon time where I finally feel awake and start feeling like crying, You hear people saying good things about this drug and bad (i'd say mostly bad). If you reading this because you just aren't sure if you should take it, just DON'T do it. This is EFFEXOR...FOR Life ! just like the VOLVO commercial ads. Once you are on it, the ADDICTIVE properties (yes, addictive) will demand that you find some inner strength (that of a buddhist) to fight for your mind to come off it. It makes your body sick coming "on" it and it makes you sick coming "off" it. And the in between, well, you're still sick. Just stay away from it. M 37 12 months
8/16/2008

Previous Page       Next Page

BACK TO TOP